CLEARWATER, Fla.Ryan Howard is due back in Phillies camp on Wednesday after having his surgically repaired left Achilles tendon examined by Dr. Mark Myerson in Baltimore. The Phillies said they would have no word on the results of Howards checkup until Wednesday.
Howard, who had surgery 4 months ago, was due for a routine checkup before he increased his workload. The repair of Howards Achilles seems to be holding up wellhe has been taking batting practicebut the slugger recently developed a small pocket of fluid and an open wound in the area of the incision and club officials wanted Myerson too examine it. The open wound is not considered serious. Scott Sheridan, the Phils head athletic trainer, said the skin over the Achilles is notorious for not healing well.
In other health matters, Cliff Lee threw a pain-free, incident-free batting practice session Tuesday. His early-camp abdominal issue is no longer a problem.
E-mail Jim Salisbury at jsalisbury@comcastsportsnet.com